HBD Jason

If you didn't know, its my boy's Jason's 29th birthday of life. Yes, just another reason to drink. It's his last year before he turns 30! Crazy I know!! Yeah, over the years we can see how everyone is getting older. Sad to say, we couldn't drink and party til closing. We were lucky enough to make to midnight to wish boyfriend Jason a happy birthday. Jason was treated to Red Robin burgers and drinks all night. He had a good time while he was awake. Hahaa.

The Escondido family was always present along side with Geico heads. It was definitely a fun night. It didn't stop at the Tavern too. We carried it back to our place for a slumber party. Yeah, we had a slumber party so what!? Jealous!? I thought so! We watched Tooken Again, I mean, Taken 2. Good and fun movie to watch with friends. It didn't stop their, we didn't have to move when at home. We were catered by the Filipino finest with food and snacks along with more beer. Hahaa. Shit doesn't get old I guess. Hahaa.

We're also planning a last second trip to LA for some Disneyland. The older we get, the younger we want to be. No! I believe in happy endings! If you know what I mean. Hahaa.

Looking at the photos, I realize I'm starting to pop up in more photos than ever. I'm glad people can snag my camera and just go at it. If anyone wants to practice photography, they can use my first dSLR, my trusty Canon 20D. I'm not using it. It's pretty awesome still. I was talking to my hair stylist, Casey. Yes, I have a hair stylist and she does an amazing job. Look good as me by checking her out. Salon Sultry. We were just talking about the tools of a stylist/photographer. We have our tools of the trade, but it doesn't dictate our talents. It may not be the latest or greatest, but it'll get the job done. I know I always hate on social networks and society in general, but I do appreciate instagram and how people are using their camera more artistically now than ever before. I'm getting a little off topic but it's always good to celebrate a friend's birthday especially my roommate Jason. Love you brother.

Funny thing, it'll be our "last" time drinking. Starting to go H.A.M. at the gym and diet. Wish us luck. Like always, thanks for looking.

To check out the photos individually, check them out at my Picasa link. HBD Jason.



HBD Jason from Ryan Florido on Vimeo.

NYE 2013

I love hangin' out with my friends that I call family. We don't need the a ball to drop, fancy drinks, high end hotels to have a good time. Put us all together with some alcohol and we always make good times. Holidays man, bringing everyone together.

One of my favorite things to talk about is life. Everyone has their own life experiences and willing to share to others. We all reflected on 2012 and said some good and bad things of the year. We are all extremely proud of what we accomplished in the past year but are never satisfied. I was talking to Albert, Mando, Virgil. One common thing each of those guys said was to be happy and follow your heart. Sounds corny, but the ego always gets in the way of things at times. I don't know if I was buzz'd but it

Another thing that was cool this past night, I don't think I touched my camera as much as I normally do. I think everyone is use to having my camera around where they don't need to bring theirs. Of course people will upload to IG/FB from their phones. But I was too busy talking and drinking where everyone else handled my camera. They know how to use it from watching me. So its odd finding myself on the other side of the lens. I really need to practice my smiling. I tend to squint a lot. Hahaa. I guess it can be a near years resolution/goal. Hahahaa.

The highlight of the night was Jess transferring her slap to Malas to slap Jason. Jess had a bet she wouldn't eat a single fry for an entire year. Guess what...she won. I'm sure shes eating fries as she watches the slide show. Hahaa. So Jason manned up and got was coming. Hahaa.

Like always, thanks for looking. 2013, lets do it big. Health, Spirit, Mind, Wealth.

Download the pics from my picasa. Click Here.

NYE 2013 from Ryan Florido on Vimeo.

Oregon Again and Again!

I went to visit my Vietnamese family in Oregon late November til early December. I was just there in past April. Yeah I went again. So what. This time I was able to see a Pete and Steph in their own environment, uptown Portland. Everything was literally walking distance. When I say everything, I mean bars. Pete was introducing me to more scotches, filling me with knowledge. I enjoy blends but single malts are pretty fresh too. Keepin' it G even up in hipster Oregon.

What did I do up there? Ate, drank, played video games, drank some more, and just spent quality time with family and friends. I was able to see their new cars. Kiet got a badass Tacoma and Steph got her cool looking 4WD Subaru Outback. Yeah, we still saw Diego. It was great to see their new apartment. We were able to walk to the Holiday Ale Festival when Khiem got the evil eye from a chic cause he saw her trip. HAHAA! I think thats the only time I drank beer. Everything else was shots or scotch. Wait, I also watched the Chargers lose to the Bengals. That was depressing. After all the drinking, I fell asleep in the bar. It was alright, they had a couch and they let me. You can't do that in Cali.

Another thing you can't do in Cali is experience a true winter. The cold breeze and walking throughout the city is amazing. Architecture was fun to shoot with the seasons changing. I can shoot Portland all day if the weather would let me.

One of my favorite things doing in Oregon didn't even involve going out. It was hanging out in the apartment and talking about life with Pete and Steph. One question that still strikes me "Are you happy?" Such a simple question being so deep. I still talk to Pete on the regular, but in person is a whole different story. Thats why its important for me to visit them. Hanging out with their family was a lot of fun. Chillin' with Mother, mafia Dad, Partner in crime Kiet and Khiem, and it's always pleasant to hang out with Jessica. Like I said in a previous post, it's all about being present. I can't wait to visit Oregon again. Steph and Pete are great host. Thank you guys for everything!!! I miss you guys already.

Camera Info: Canon 20D with either 50mm 1.4 or the 28mm 2.8 and trusty 430ex during indoor flash use.
Since this trip was mostly for me, I doubt people will save these pictures besides Pete and Steph. Check out the photos individually on my Picasa page.


Oregon Trip AGAIN!!! from Ryan Florido on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Flow Fotography!! aka ME!!! I really enjoy the holidays, the things that happen around it. I had my first love during the holidays. Even though we're not together, its a reminder of the power of Christmas. What makes the holidays amazing. The presents/presence. With my new job, I see more end of life than I care for. "I'm not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." -Woody Allen. Even though we can't prevent our loved ones from dying, being there with our presence is the best thing we can do. I love it when I see family visiting loved one, plus it makes my job a lot easier too.

I always feel closer with people around me, whether it is family or friends. We can't control everything. However, one thing we can control is our presence. Just being there makes a huge difference. Having my family literally a mile away from me. My good friend Danh, literally a phone call away. My Oregon family of Pete and Steph, making my presence known with the visit (photos coming soon) and even my brother from Texas visiting SD for the holidays. I always have my revolution on my side too, good as gold. I'm glad I can celebrate this joyous season with the people I love. Bringing everyone close again. People who check this blog out.

I know I'm sharing private moments online, which I'm not necessarily a fan of, like facebook. But this is mostly for myself so i can look back. I haven't had the most time to edit pictures cause of my damn computer kinda failing on me. But I hope it'll hold up a little bit longer until I can afford a new one. Maybe even build one specifically for photography. I don't need the fanciest thing, but I sure do what something reliable that can keep up with my work flow. I just wanted to put some of my photos I have posted on IG. Cause IG will fade away like facebook one day. But hopefully I'll continue this blog for years to come.

This poinsettia is special to me, cause a patient of mine personally wanted me to have it. Even during her weakest points, she still had energy to care for the people around her. 

BOKEH

Its a shame the horrible things that are happening right before the holidays like the elementary school shooting and the gunman who killed two first responder victims. Prayers to those familys and anyone else who needs them. 

Easter Babies

EASTER!!! Just a few pictures from the day. It was chill, a lot of day drinking after mass. I think my mom was upset that I was a buzzin' after she left. Hahaaa. Good times, at least when i was awake.

Easter '12 from Ryan Florido on Vimeo.

2011 FAIL!!!! 2012 is here!!

Happy New Years to all my family and friends. I'm thankful that I started the New Years right with the people I love! It wasn't EVERYONE, but I can fully say I Love Everyone in these pictures!!

Looking back at 2011, it was disappointing year in term of my photography. I didn't do a single thing on it!!! I think, or I want to believe it was because of my financial lane. I moved out of my parent's house, paying rent definitely hurt my photography budget. So this year, I have I re-evaluated my goals to something more realistic, AND AND i know how to achieve them too. LOL!!!

1. A lot of people talk about photography and want to see my work. Whats the best way of promoting it? Through a business/calling card. I plan on working with some designers in Long Beach called Fresh Print Design, super cool kids. They are familiar with my work so I trust them on helping me make a logo and creating some sweet looking calling cards. They're a new shop. But check them out and hopefully you'll see my work on their site/shop. http://www.freshprintsdesign.com/

2. How long have I've been using the same equipment? I'm not complaining about it one bit, but it does show its age. So I plan on purchasing a new body sometime mid year. Aiming for a Canon 7D or hopefully they'll have a 7D Mark II!!!! I've been saving strictly for a new camera. Every paycheck, I hide $100 for the ultimate goal of a new camera.

3. I definitely like exploring new photography, I want to buy the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens. Hopefully with tax return i can buy a used lens off craigslist because they stopped making this lens. Sweet looking lens. Its a prime too.

4. Do more gigs. A lot of people are encouraging me to charge for my photos, it doesn't hurt to do some events every once in a while to support my hobby. I still have my 9-5 job to support my real living. DAMN!!! Photography is expensive!!!

I'm also trying something new and uploading some slide shows onto Vimeo. I would use YouTube but they are super strict with music rights.

Untitled from Ryan Florido on Vimeo.

Happy New Year and thanks for looking.

On Location: Free from Original Sin

Baby Joss is growing in front of everyone's eyes. Another baby milestone for her, being baptized at St. Michael's church in Poway. I was honored that Ryan and Christine wanted me to shoot Joss again. It was very intimate baptism. I always thought it was during a huge mass. Not this one, she was baptized among close family and friends. Afterward was the reception at family member's house to party and to drink. Here are some of the pictures of Joss' day. Ryan and Christine are very proud parents.

Camera Info: Canon 20D with 50mm 1.4 along with the Canon 430ex with omni bounce. Shot mostly at ISO 800 and f/4.0 with flash but shot wide open without flash. All shots edited in Adobe Lightroom 3. Simple curves, exposure, sharpening.

Be aware of the photos. Not on FB for a reason.

Palos Heights, Illinois at 12:35 I entered this world. As Kuya Klick friend shared a day with me, helped me reflect on the past year. A lot of things has happened for sure. I am truly blessed with a lot of things such as health, faith, family, and friends. When celebrating my birthday, I am surrounded by the best people. Family is always there for me. However, my birthday celebration had my revolution and kuya klick family. Drinking like there weren't any rules or limits. I don't remember half the night. One thing about alcohol, especially liquor, it speaks truth. I got a lot of things off my chest that night. I said it passionately, but I love everyone that came out. They were there for a purpose. I know there could of been more like Mr. Pete Roq and Steph and my Oregonians. They were definitely there in spirit though. When looking over these photos, i knew i had a good time. Be aware of the photos, they're not all pretty. But it does sum up the night.

Mr. & Mrs. Paradox

WHAT!? PARADOX is married!? It was kept on the low for the longest time. Who knew this day would come. It did and I couldn't be happier for him as a friend. I was surprised to find out. One day before the official day, he calls me up as I run errands, I was at Stater Bros. (they had a sweet deal on cereal there). He asked me to be the photographer for the event. He wanted it be super simple and small. Of course I said YES to the wedding photos. After the Revolution got off work, we decided to get f'd up! Drinking like we're kings, celebrating Brandon's big day. Next thing we know, people are calling off work, ditching class to attend Paradox's big day. The rest is just history. Here are a few pictures from the special day.

Paradox's Wedding